Help Newbie installing 'flash' in Debian Xfce4, please!

[neilemac]

Have newly installed Xfce4 that had gnash flash installed, but which I've deleted as suggested elsewhere, in order to download and install the latest "compatible" adobe flash "non-free" for Debian network. Now then, had an excellent tech adviser until this point but sadly his mojo has deteriorated to such a point he's relegated himself to a corner of his mind to play with his mental blocks instead of finishing my new Xfce4 Debian based OS installation promising me a fantastic experience. Well it is, but without 'flash' it's hardly worthy of being the avid video buff I am, yes? So, please help; anyone???

Have achieved something, however; now have the flashplugin-nonfree-2.8.2/
file downloaded to my desktop but unsure what next move to make with it. Methinks, I'm supposed to place it in a Mozilla 'plugin' file, yes? Tried but it wouldn't move. So here I am stuck with the file I need sitting on my desktop and unable to put it where it belongs so that I can get on with uploading my videos to online sites using 'flash.'

[cynwulf]

FlashPlayer - Debian Wiki

[neilemac]

Thank you; however, I could not use your advice to solve my dilemma. You linked the exact page I used to find "the flashplugin-nonfree-2.8.2" (isn't it) which is now sitting on my desktop awaiting instructions that I don't know. This is the point at which I'm baffled about what to do next. Any instruction you may give me to solve my dilemma shall be greatly appreciated. Until my 'flash' is installed, my constant cry on these forums shall be HELP!!!

Oh yes, am not the most 'techy' guy; but am a choreographer and understand what to do if I'm told the 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 steps (whatever the number) necessary to complete the installation dance. But thanks for trying, you've merely confirmed I had the first step right. Much appreciated.

[cynwulf]

You need to install the package from the repositories using a package manager, not download the .deb file. You can install the deb file if you wish using dpkg.

[neilemac]

"dpkg," I know nothing about that 4-letter word. Have seen it in print, often; but do not yet understand its value nor how it's used.

Sorry for being misunderstood. I'm a newbie and very much in the dark with even using a 'terminal' (first off) and am now totally unsure about what I'm to do about getting hold of the proper flash plugin and where to place it once done. Your answers are marvellous except I don't know what to do next. My package manager does not contain the necessary plugin. How do I go about getting the plugin file accessible via the repository?

(More history) In the past, a good technical friend I admired had inspired me to go Linux vs Windows and has helped me with the technical end on consecutive Linux based systems for quite some time but never did he explain what he was doing when using my terminal to set things up. But I love Linux, I've used KDE Ubuntu and after my pc died, I've had my friend install a new OS. Now have Xfce4, a Debian release and am using the Firefox structured Ice Weasel browser.

Is there a tutorial to which I may be referred and use to find out what I'm to do? Advice surrounding 'flash' installation is quite dated in these forums and would appreciate it if someone took the time to explain "how to install the flash plugi" from start to finish. If that's too much to ask, I'm sorry; but I have no other alternative. My friend has already eliminated 'winders' from my box when he installed this Xfce4 system but I simply don't know what to do since he failed to finish configuring the plugins that my Ice Weasel browser needs for YouTube, etc.

Would love to learn to install via the terminal. Is there a tutorial on how a terminal is used and the learned code lingo necessary to use the terminal properly. Already know I can sign-in by entering "su" (super user) to start and typing in my password so that I may begin giving commands. After that, I'm putty; I know I need to learn the code necessary to take the next step. But where do I find it? Anyone, please???

Am so lost, I'm beginning to think that only a "Debian for Dummies" edition will help me to learn the 'flash dance.' But it doesn't exist, does it? Besides, the phrase "Debian for Dummies" is an oxymoron, yes??? Shhh

[elija]

try running

sudo apt-get install flashplugin-nonfree

and if you are not in the sudoers file, try this

su -
apt-get install flashplugin-nonfree

If you are more comfortable with a GUI, fire up Synaptic and search for flashplugin-nonfree in there.

If apt doesn't find the plugin, please post the contents od the file /etc/apt/sources.list. As you have < 15 posts, you may need to attach it to your post as it contains links.

[jayd512]

Welcome aboard!

So ya got handed the keys and told 'good luck, huh? Good times!
First, let's get you read to install. Debian is big on keeping certain things out of a default installation. So we need to add a live to a file.
Open a terminal. Gain root access with

su -

Type in the root password. Don't be alarmed when nothing is echoed or displayed on screen.
Then, type the following:

nano /etc/apt/sources.list

Add the following line to the bottom. Change the bold section to reflect your country. A list can be found here.

deb http://ftp.us.debian.org/debian/ squeeze main contrib non-free

After typing the line, hit Ctrl+x to quit, Y to save.

Then, still in the terminal:

apt-get update
apt-get install flashplugin-nonfree

That should get you going. If not, post back any errors you get.

BTW, just a little material you can look at to help you get used to the terminal: LinuxCommand.org: Learn the Linux command line. Write shell scripts.

[neilemac]

Thank you one and all. My friend returned to his awesome senses, dropped by, fixed everything, taught me loads, but am ever so grateful to you who had loaned their time and pov in hope to help me solve my dilemma installing flash. Have learned at least 3 ways to execute the same installation. Shhh! Anywho, am willing I'll be able to learn and offer help to a 'newbie' myself once I've learned to navigate my way through your suggested material. Peace in all its dimensions.
-neilemac